Plums

Origin and Cultivation

Plums likely originated in the Caucasus region, from where they spread throughout Europe. The tree on which they grow is fairly common in our country today and is planted in both orchards and gardens. Plums belong to the rose family and come in many varieties—true plums, semi-plums, greengages, and mirabelle plums. You can tell them apart not only by their shape and color, but also by how easily they separate from the pit. True plums are elongated, dark blue in color, and separate easily from the pit. Half-plums tend to be rounder, softer, and juicier. Renklóds are round and firmer. Mirabelle plums have yellow skin, are smaller, and are juicy.

The plum tree typically grows to a height of about 8 meters and is found mainly in temperate climates. It thrives even in areas where the soil is not particularly rich in nutrients. It is also tolerant of autumn frosts. In some places, it grows wild, most often as a shrub.

Positive Effects on Health

Plums are a significant source of B vitamins—the entire complex, in fact. They thus support mental resilience, carbohydrate metabolism, and stress resistance, and help combat fatigue. Minerals found in plums include copper and zinc. In addition, they contain a significant amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which are an important source of energy for the human body.

Plums contain fiber and are primarily used medicinally to treat constipation and digestive problems. They also aid in detoxification, as they support kidney function and help flush retained water from the body. Plums are particularly suitable for weight-loss diets because they contain pectin, which binds to excess dietary fat in the intestines and prevents it from being stored.

Plums in the Kitchen

Plums taste great on their own, but they’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. You can use them to make pies, plum jam, and compotes, as well as sauces or dressings to serve with meat. Plums can also be dried, and you can keep them on hand along with preserved plums all year round. They also pair wonderfully with bacon when sautéed together in a pan. Another surefire pairing is with poppy seeds—this combination never disappoints.

Purchasing and Storage

Of course, the best plums grow in gardens, but not everyone has access to them, and besides, they’re only available in season. If you’re buying plums at the store, make sure they aren’t rotten or too soft. Those are more likely to spoil. Plums that aren’t quite ripe are best for canning, while ripe ones are better for plum jam. Ideally, choose plums that still have their stems attached. This prevents bacteria from entering and slows down spoilage. And be sure to wash them thoroughly—they may have traces of fertilizer or other pesticides on them.